As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to surge in popularity, ensuring their security has become a top priority for owners.
Vehicle tracking systems are essential for protecting these high-value assets from theft and ensuring peace of mind.
Latest EV Car Sales in the UK
The UK has seen a significant rise in electric vehicle sales, driven by increasing environmental awareness, government incentives and advancements in battery technology.
According to recent data, in 2023, the UK saw a substantial increase in EV registrations, with a growth rate of over 30% compared to the previous year. This surge is attributed to new model releases, a consistently improving infrastructure and heightened consumer interest.
Electric vehicles now account for approximately 20% of the total car market in the UK. This figure is expected to rise as more manufacturers transition to electric models and the government pushes for greener transport solutions.
The UK government continues to support the EV market with various incentives, including grants, salary sacrifice, subsidies for home charging stations and investments in public charging infrastructure. Even those on a Motability scheme can now choose an electric car to help with their mobility needs.
Analysts predict that by 2030, electric vehicles could comprise over 50% of new car sales in the UK, aligning with the government’s goal to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 (which may still change, it was originally meant to be 2040….. then 2030 before settling on 2035)
If you’re looking for a tracker for your EV, in this blog, we’ll explore three top-tier vehicle trackers looking at their features and benefits. Whilst they’re not solely exclusive to EVs, they are ideal for anyone looking to secure their own vehicular green revolution.
ScorpionTrack S5 VTS
The ScorpionTrack S5 VTS (which unoriginally stands for Vehicle Tracking System) is a state-of-the-art tracking device specifically designed for high-value vehicles, including EVs. It combines GPS and GSM technology to provide precise real-time location tracking.
The S5 VTS also meets the stringent criteria set by Thatcham Research, the UK-based insurance industry body. This approval can even lead to insurance premium discounts. The Thatcham approval is a testament to its reliability and effectiveness.
One huge benefit of this system is its use of Driver ID tags, ensuring only authorised users can operate the vehicle. If the vehicle is attempted to be driven without the tag, the owner is immediately alerted and the car is disabled.
The ScorpionTrack team monitors your vehicle round-the-clock, offering rapid response and recovery services if your EV is stolen. The tracking service extends across Europe, providing protection even when you’re travelling abroad.
Through its app, you can set virtual boundaries, known as geo-fencing, for your vehicle. If your EV moves outside these predefined zones, you’ll also receive an instant notification.
For EV owners, the ScorpionTrack S5 VTS offers unparalleled security. Its driver recognition system significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised use, while real-time tracking ensures you can always locate your vehicle.
MetaTrak S5 VTS
MetaTrak S5 VTS is another top contender in the vehicle tracking market, offering robust security features tailored for modern vehicles, including EVs.
This is an incredibly well-featured tracker that offers EV owners a comprehensive security solution with the added convenience of smartphone integration. The motion sensing technology provides an extra layer of protection, ensuring that even sophisticated theft attempts are detected early.
The app’s journey history and status updates help EV owners monitor their vehicle’s usage and health, contributing to better maintenance and efficiency. Advanced motion sensing technology detects unusual movement, such as towing or lifting, and sends alerts to prevent theft. This is all thanks to the MetaTrak app which comes free and is easily downloadable
The app also provides real-time location tracking directly to your smartphone, so you’ve always got easy access to the information you need right from the palm of your hand.
Similar to ScorpionTrack, MetaTrak S5 VTS is Thatcham-approved, ensuring high-security standards and potential insurance benefits. It also features Driver ID tags, preventing unauthorised driving and alerting you immediately if the vehicle is started without the tag.
If you drive an EV or are looking to buy one, you really can’t go wrong with this amazing device.
SmarTrack S5 D-iD
SmarTrack S5 D-iD is a premium vehicle tracking system that combines advanced technology with user-friendly features, making it ideal for EV and non-EV owners who seek both security and convenience.
Like the other systems mentioned, SmarTrack S5 D-iD is another Thatcham-approved device, offering assurance of its high-security standards.
Unlike the other two, the SmarTrack S5 R-iD uses innovative Driver Identification technology that pairs with your smartphone. This way only recognised devices can start the vehicle. This feature eliminates the need for separate tags or key fobs, streamlining access whilst still maintaining high security.
The S5 D-iD also offers worldwide tracking capabilities, perfect for EV owners who travel frequently.
It features an internal battery backup to ensure the tracker remains active even if the vehicle’s power supply is cut, the car’s battery dies completely or is tampered with.
Should the worst happen, SmarTrack’s monitoring team provides constant surveillance and rapid response in case of theft.
As the electric vehicle market in the UK continues to expand, securing these high-value assets has never been more critical.
Vehicle tracking systems like these offer robust security features that cater specifically to the needs of EV owners, but they’re not the only ones available. We have many more options for you to choose from in our store, linked here, all of which provide comprehensive protection and peace of mind.
The rising sales of electric vehicles underscore the importance of investing in reliable security solutions.
As more UK drivers make the switch to electric, ensuring the safety and security of these vehicles will remain a top priority for us at Infiniti. With the advanced features and benefits offered by these top vehicle trackers, EV owners can confidently protect their vehicles against theft and unauthorised use, ensuring their investment is well-guarded.
Whether you’re an EV veteran or you’re looking for one to become your ‘current’ car, you’ll want to keep it secure and that’s where we come in! Call our dedicated team who will help and advise you on the best tracker for you, whether you drive an EV or not. Just call us on 0330 043 3993 between 9am and 6pm, Mon – Fri and we can help you understand what’s watt 😉
In the realm of automotive innovation, Tesla has emerged as a trailblazer, reshaping the landscape of electric vehicles and redefining our expectations for performance and sustainability.
As proud Tesla owners revel in the seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and sleek design, there’s an equally pressing need to ensure the security of these high-tech marvels.
Enter the world of Tesla trackers – an arsenal of advanced solutions designed to safeguard your investment in innovation.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles
Tesla’s rise to prominence has not only been meteoric but has also ushered in a new era of vehicular technology around the world.
With features like Autopilot, Sentry Mode, and TeslaCam, these automotive electric marvels are not just cars; they are intelligent machines equipped with an array of sensors and cameras. However, as with any technological breakthrough, there’s always the looming concern of security.
Tesla owners, cognisant of the need to protect their high-value assets, have turned to a range of sophisticated car trackers tailored to the unique characteristics of electrically powered vehicles.
Let’s delve into the Tesla tracker market to understand the options available for ensuring the safety of your prized possession.
Tesla’s Own Tracking Features
Before exploring the third-party options we offer, it’s crucial to highlight the built-in security features that Tesla vehicles come equipped with.
Tesla’s Sentry Mode, for instance, uses the car’s external cameras to detect potential threats and acts as a deterrent by displaying a message on the centre screen.
Additionally, TeslaCam, which utilises the vehicle’s cameras to record video footage, serves as a valuable tool for post-incident analysis.
While these features are integral to Tesla’s security ecosystem, they may not provide real-time tracking capabilities or recovery options in the event of theft.
Whilst there’s not an actual physical Tesla GPS tracker installed, drivers can track their vehicles through the Tesla app which communicates with the GPS chip inside the car.
This is a useful feature but it’s not a high enough level of security to appease most insurance providers, so you’re going to need something more. This is where third-party Tesla trackers come into play, all available in our store.
Third-Party Tesla Trackers
Given the price of a Tesla, most insurers will request an S5 (or higher) tracker be installed and one that is Thatcham-approved.
Several aftermarket solutions cater specifically to Tesla vehicles, augmenting the built-in security features with advanced tracking capabilities. Here are what we think are the best options.
SmarTrack S5+ D-ID (With Immobilisation)
The SmarTrack S5 D-iD from Global Telemetrics meets Thatcham’s strictest criteria for insurance approval and utilises a whole range of frequencies including GPS, GLONASS, GPRS & GPS tracking technology.
As well as all the features you’d expect from an S5 tracking system (such as geo-fencing, battery backup and European coverage), the S5 D-iD system also gives industry-leading protection against all modern theft methods including key theft, key cloning and relay theft.
The SmarTrack S5+ D-iD also includes an industry-first with remote immobilisation that uses your mobile device as a driver recognition system.
Instead of traditional driver ID tags that come with other systems, the SmarTrack S5+ D-iD uses your smartphone to identify you as the authorised driver of the vehicle.
It’s the most user-friendly and convenient S5 tracking system available for your Tesla or any other car for that matter! Furthermore, your vehicle can be immobilised by the trained staff at the Global Telemetrics 24/7 monitoring centre should the worst happen and the car be stolen.
MetaTrack S5 Deadlock Pro
For many trackers, however technologically advanced they might be, by using equipment bought easily online, criminals can quickly bypass much of your car’s standard security systems.
Step forward the Deadlock Pro from Meta Trak. This is the ultimate connected vehicle security system on the market combining the advanced immobilisation found in their S5 Deadlock product, but with the addition of OBD port immobilisation. A key aspect when it comes to protecting your electric vehicle, Tesla or otherwise.
In addition to this, you also get Meta Trak’s 24/7 vehicle monitoring via their professional NSI-accredited Control Centre to keep your Tesla exactly where you left it.
Vodafone Protect & Connect S5 VTS
The Protect and Connect S5 VTS tracker from Vodafone Automotive (formally known as Cobra) gives users access to their proprietary “My Connected Car” smartphone app, which gives you a whole host of features.
As you would expect from a tracker like this, it features include trip history, geofencing, speed alerts and more. In addition to low battery, motion and battery disconnect alerts, the device also provides GPS & GSM blocking alerts.
To meet Thatcham’s strict Category 5 / S5 criteria, the system also includes ADR (Automatic Driver Recognition) tags, which means that the tracking system will disarm when the ADR tag is within proximity of the vehicle and will alert the 24/7 Control Centre if the vehicle is moved without the ADR tag within proximity.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
When choosing a third-party tracker for your Tesla, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure compatibility and effectiveness:
Integration with Tesla’s Security System
Ideally, a tracker should seamlessly integrate with Tesla’s existing security features, enhancing rather than duplicating them. This ensures a unified and efficient security ecosystem.
Real-Time Tracking
The ability to track your Tesla in real-time is crucial for prompt action in the event of theft. Look for trackers that provide instant location updates through user-friendly mobile apps.
Geofencing Capabilities
Geofencing allows you to set virtual boundaries for your Tesla. If the vehicle crosses these predefined boundaries, the tracker sends alerts, offering an additional layer of security.
THE CURRENT WINNER
In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive security, Tesla trackers emerge as indispensable tools for safeguarding your investment in innovation.
While Tesla’s native security features lay a solid foundation, third-party trackers provide an extra layer of protection, offering real-time tracking, geofencing and additional functionalities tailored to the needs of Tesla owners and the wider EV owner’s ecosystem.
As the automotive industry hurtles toward a future dominated by electric vehicles, the importance of robust security solutions cannot be overstated.
Whether you opt for Tesla’s built-in features alone or choose to enhance it through a third-party tracker, the goal remains the same: to ensure your Tesla stays in your hands and out of the wrong ones.
Invest in innovation, but do so wisely by fortifying your Tesla with the latest in car tracking technology you get from Infiniti. After all, in the age of intelligent vehicles, it pays to be one step ahead of not only the thieves but in securing the future of transportation.
Whether you own a Tesla or not, our dedicated team is ready to take your call and is available for you to speak to between 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday, on 0330 043 3993. Whatever your car, whatever your budget and wherever you are, we can help you find the best tracker for you.
